"Regarding the 19 people who are indicated to have experienced human trafficking in Dubai, it is true that they fled from their employers," P2MI Minister Abdul Kadir Karding stated in a press conference on Friday.
After fleeing, they were lured to work at a new location, where they were introduced to a pimp and subsequently forced into working as commercial sex workers, he revealed.
Out of the 19 people, Karding stated that seven had returned to Indonesia while the remaining 12 are currently undergoing legal proceedings.
Due to the moratorium, Dubai is not a placement destination for domestic workers, so the migrant workers are categorized as non-procedural migrant workers, he remarked.
Karding confirmed that his side has coordinated with the Indonesian Embassy and Consulate in Dubai to address the matter.
The minister said the 12 migrant workers are currently housed in a shelter at the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and will return to Indonesia after the examination process concludes.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also opened a special hotline at 97156332261 for Indonesian citizens to lodge complaints.
Regarding the human trafficking case, Karding appealed to the public to work abroad through official channels for their safety and protection.
"If you wish to work abroad, please follow the existing procedures so all of your data can be recorded," he reminded.
Earlier, Karding also called for a massive campaign regarding the official procedures for working abroad to reduce cases of migrant worker fraud.
According to the minister, the massive campaign can be conducted in villages with residents interested in working abroad.
In addition to the campaign, he noted that swift and transparent administrative services for working abroad are also essential.
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Translator: Katriana, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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